What Is Involved in Social Security SSI Review?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to ensure that low income elderly and disabled individuals have adequate money to afford food, shelter and other basic needs. In 2009, SSI provided up to $674 per month to qualifying individuals.

Identification

• Individuals who apply for SSI are reviewed by SSA to determine eligibility for the program. Individuals currently receiving SSI may be periodically reviewed by SSA to determine whether they still meet the criteria for SSI.

Medical

• Individuals who receive SSI must be age 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. With the exception of a few disabilities (e.g. being blind, having end-stage kidney disease), a medical diagnosis alone is not sufficient for determining disability. The disability must prevent the individual from sustaining gainful employment.

Financial

• To qualify for SSI, an individual must be below a certain income level. If an individual receives $694 or more per month in unearned income (e.g. Social Security disability, railroad pension), he does not qualify for SSI benefits. If an individual receives more than $1,096 in a given month in earned income (e.g. wages from employment), he does not qualify for SSI for that month.

Employment

• An individual who is able to earn $980 per month for nine consecutive months is no longer eligible for SSI because this is considered to be gainful employment. However, if an individual's disability causes him to lose this employment within five years and makes it impossible to obtain new employment, he is able to receive SSI benefits again without reapplying for SSI assistance.

States

• Certain states, including California, provide a supplement to SSI due to a higher cost of living. Contact your local SSA office to discover whether your state provides a supplement to SSI and what the requirements are to receive this supplement.